Elkhart Lakes

Lakes Near Elkhart

The weather is warm so it’s time to start planning your upcoming summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Elkhart. As it turns out, when you come to Elkhart there are some options for spending time on the lake.

It doesn’t matter if you’re itching to float in a tube with a book, partake in some watersports, go for a swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Elkhart offer you plentiful beautiful locations for aquatic adventures. Scan the data below to have a look your options including small lakes to all sports lakes for you to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for Elkhart

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near Elkhart there are many things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you arrive at a lake near Elkhart:

Picnic time. The lakes near Elkhart provide many excellent picnic areas where you can enjoy foods, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. Should you be with someone you want to impress, a picnic on the beach is hard to beat.

Go fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, why not spend the day flying around the water showing off your water sports skills? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the all sports lakes give you a number of choices.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on which lake you go to, when you go, and what you want to do for entertainment. While every trip is its own animal, we put together a list with some of our favorite ideas for your watery excursion so everything goes smoothly!

General items

For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to bring some of these things so that you’ll be feeling good, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Bathing suits
  • Garbage bags
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Bug spray
  • Food and snacks
  • Radio or speaker

More lake items

Consider your planned activities for the day and your guests, the following items might also prove useful and worth a quick spot check before you get on the road.

  • Goggles or masks
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Fishing poles
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Corkscrew
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Kindle
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)

Lake Safety Tips

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, safety should be top of mind. These safety tips can make sure that everyone stays safe while around the lake.

  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Elkhart

When you make a trip to the one of a kind lakes near Elkhart, there are a few things that might make your trip plan substantially more successful. For example, each individual lake is going to have their own qualities and surroundings which makes it important to think about what you need to make an unforgettable trip when planning yours.

  1. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local can usually allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Make the most of unique local resources. If there’s time for a lengthier trip, look for local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to camp right on the water without breaking the bank.
  3. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Elkhart can get exceptionally crowded. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most happening beach!